Montel Medley was the valedictorian of the Class of 2014 at Surrattsville High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland. His speech covered the standard topics of growth, support from great teachers and future plans but also addressed something less common in such remarks– his autism. Medley said having a disability does not have to be a disadvantage, in fact it can be an advantage. In his case, Medley graduated with a 4.0 GPA and accepted an offer to attend Towson University in the fall. Read more.

When someone hears that a child has a disability they may think of down syndrome or being physically disabled. But imagine having a disability that no one can see and others thinking you’re just plain difficult.

West High School graduate Christian Johnson was born with Cerebral Palsy. It’s a condition caused by brain injuries usually within the womb. While the severity varies, Johnson has had limited use of his legs for most of his life.

It’s the best sleight-of-hand trick you’ll see on a softball field, and Alanna Sanborn has it down cold.

The Berne Union senior outfielder camps under fly balls, catches them with her left hand, and in one fluid motion tucks her glove under her right arm and comes up throwing with her left. It’s a technique that Sanborn has mastered not because she’s a show-off, but because she’s had to.

Like most kids, Anthony Burruto started playing baseball in community Little League, ultimately joining the high school team.
Born with a birth defect, Burruto, 16, had to have both legs amputated below the knee shortly after he was born. He has played baseball since he was 8, thanks to prosthetic legs.